A huge abdominal mass revealing a depressive syndrome

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2021 Mar;103(3):e77-e80. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2020.7093.

Abstract

Trichobezoar is a rare condition that occurs mostly in young women with psychiatric disorders such as trichotillomania and trichophagia. We report the case of a giant gastric trichobezoar in a 21-year-old woman who presented with chronic abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss. Abdominal examination revealed a large epigastric mass. Endoscopic and imaging findings were highly suggestive of a gastric trichobezoar. Surgical extraction of the huge hair mass was successfully performed through an open gastrotomy. Postoperatively, history of a neglected chronic depression with suicidal ideation was diagnosed. Consequently, the patient was referred to the psychiatric department for mental healthcare, to prevent trichobezoar recurrences.

Keywords: Abdominal mass; Depression; Trichobezoar; Trichophagia; Trichotillomania.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bezoars / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bezoars / psychology
  • Bezoars / surgery
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Gastroscopy
  • Humans
  • Laparotomy
  • Pica / psychology
  • Stomach / diagnostic imaging*
  • Stomach / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Trichotillomania / psychology
  • Young Adult